Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm interested in getting a tortoise (first time owner), one that does not get too large so I understand Russians and Hermann's are good starter turtles. I am in the process of researching the specific care and needs for these guys and have visited the local pet stores but none seem to offer these types, mostly just spur high tortoises or red/yellow foot. A reptile show comes around my area once in a blue moon so my questions are: are there reputable dealers to purchase from online and if so, who? Is that even an option with tortoises? If not, where else can I find one? I live in Melbourne, Florida.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks, Fred.

hi fred,

go to russiantortoise.org for great info on russians. they also can hook you up with reputable breeders.

matt

Hi since you are a new tort. owner i would go with a russian. They are great. I had some and they have greeat personalitys. Also they grow fairly small and are easy to care for. Good luck on your search.

Thanks for the information. I've decided on a Russian.

I have both Russians and Hermann's. At least with mine, I find the Hermann's to much more active and personable. My Russians wake in the morning, eat, roam around for an hour or so then go back into their hides for a snooze. The Hermann's is is pretty much out and about all day. He is very curious and will stop what he is doing when I'm in the room to watch me.

I don't have a russian, but I do have a hermann's. He is very outgoing and always interested in what I am doing. When I let him out to walk around the room he follows me and watches me. I got him from Exotic Pets, off of kingsnake classifieds, he arrived safe and healthy.

Thanks for both your posts. You've peaked my curiosity so I emailed Exotic pets to see what they have available at the moment in either species. I'm also trying locally to find a breeder but my enclosure is now complete so the only thing I'm missing is the tort.

Thanks again for your recommendation and for your inputs on Hermann's.

Fred